Hunter W. Fuller

Most retirement planning conversations start and end with one number: how much you've saved.

But there are three specific ages that shape how and when you access that money, and the decisions around each one are connected in ways that aren't always obvious until you map them out.

In this video I walk through ages 59½, 62, and 70, what each one means, what's at stake, and why the order of these decisions matters as much as the decisions themselves.

The decision to retire at 62 vs. 67 isn't just about five years of work, the financial ripple effects can follow you for decades.

Retiring earlier may mean claiming Social Security at a reduced benefit, drawing down savings sooner, and funding a longer retirement. Waiting can mean a higher Social Security payment, more time to save, and fewer years your money needs to stretch.

But the numbers are only part of the picture. Health, lifestyle, and what you actually want those years to look like matter too, and only you can weigh that side of the equation.

If you're thinking through what retirement timing looks like for your situation, I'd be happy to walk through it with you.

Market volatility gets a lot of attention, but for many retirees, taxes end up being the bigger threat to their plan.

If most of your savings are in tax-deferred accounts like a 401(k) or traditional IRA, withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Depending on your situation, that could affect your tax bracket, Medicare premiums, and how much of your Social Security is taxable.

Understanding where your money is and how it will be taxed when you need it is an important part of retirement planning.

If you'd like to look at how taxes might factor into your retirement picture and what options may be available to you now, I'd be happy to walk through it together.

Being too conservative in retirement can carry its own risks, and it's one that doesn't get talked about enough.

If inflation outpaces what your money is earning, your purchasing power shrinks over time. For a retirement that could last 25–30 years, that gap can add up significantly.

The goal isn't just protecting what you have, it's making sure it lasts as long as you need it to.

If you're unsure how to think about balancing protection and growth potential in retirement, I'd be happy to talk it through.